Mikaela Keen, a teacher at the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University (CISU), placed second in the Africa semi-final of the 2nd Chinese Teaching Heroes competition, advancing to the global showcase in Beijing. The regional competition featured 67 teachers from 11 African countries, with first place awarded to Andriamanorotsiory Chrisante from Madagascar. Keen’s achievement highlights the growing strength of Mandarin education in South Africa and aligns with SU’s commitment to global learning and international academic collaboration.

Chloë Appollis participated in the University of Bologna’s 2025 Staff Training Week, gaining valuable insights into internationalisation, mobility management, and cross-departmental collaboration. Her interactions with global colleagues and exposure to best practices highlighted the strategic role that transport and logistics play in supporting international students, staff, and partnerships at SU International. Chloë returned inspired to strengthen coordination, explore digital communication tools, and enhance personalised arrival experiences to improve SU International’s overall support for incoming visitors.

Stellenbosch University’s presidency of the International University Network has been extended to 2028, reflecting global confidence in its leadership. International collaboration remains essential for advancing research excellence, mobility, and meaningful global engagement. SU’s partnerships are guided by three priorities: staff and student mobility, joint research, and capacity building for emerging academics.

Stellenbosch University International’s Short Programmes reached a milestone in 2025, welcoming 333 students across 25 programmes from 24 countries. The year featured immersive, community-engaged learning experiences and the launch of two standout programmes with Ohio University and the University of Groningen. More than academic study, the programmes fostered global friendships, fresh perspectives and a growing international reputation for Stellenbosch University

The Center for Collaboration in Africa (CCA), through SANWATCE, is strengthening science diplomacy by linking research to policy and water security efforts across Southern Africa. SANWATCE helped review and shape the new SADC Water Research Agenda and gained continental recognition for its policy-aligned research impact. The CCA’s initiatives created new opportunities for emerging scholars, including Stellenbosch students winning the G20-linked Youth Innovation Hackathon.

CISU received two awards at the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference for outstanding digital innovation, with one project recognised as a Demonstration Case and another as a Finalist Case. The awarded projects showcased successful digital strategies, including viral short-video community engagement for a high school Chinese club and a portable-projector teaching model that improved access to multimedia learning in resource-limited schools. These achievements highlight CISU’s leadership in digital transformation within international Chinese education and its growing impact on innovative teaching, cultural exchange, and scalable, technology-driven practices.

Cultural Immersion: The 12th Japan Day transformed Die Stal at Stellenbosch University into a lively celebration of Japanese culture, featuring workshops, performances, and exhibitions. Tradition Meets Modernity: Attendees explored Japan’s multifaceted identity through tea ceremonies, calligraphy, martial arts, and modern pop culture elements like cosplay and music. Connection & Reflection: The event fostered cultural exchange between South Africa and Japan, with a special Hiroshima Peace Museum display commemorating 80 years since the atomic bombings.

SU deepened its relationship with the General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces (AWL) through discussions on a new MoU and exchange opportunities in Military Science. A visit to the Wrocław University of Science and Technology (WUST) also opened avenues for collaboration in engineering and applied sciences. At Jagiellonian University (JU), SU worked to renew its partnership agreement, enhance student exchanges, and pursue joint research funding. JU also invited SU academics to apply for visiting professorships in 2025. Participation in JU’s Academic Career Festival and discussions on research networks highlighted opportunities for mentorship and multilateral collaboration. These visits reaffirmed SU’s commitment to building sustainable, globally connected partnerships.

Mr Reginald Kgwedi’s visit to UniAndes highlighted shared goals between SU and UniAndes in sustainability and innovation, fostering opportunities for joint research and co-supervision. The partnership shows how Global South institutions can learn from each other — as seen in South Africa’s adaptation of Bogotá’s Bus Rapid Transit model. Beyond academia, Mr Kgwedi’s experience in Colombia deepened his appreciation for cultural resilience and the value of partnerships built on shared values and mutual learning.

Highlights from the UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competence Conference in Rabat, Morocco